"The Hands that Built America" is an Oscar-nominated song from the 2002 film Gangs of New York, music & lyrics and performed by U2. The first verse of the song makes reference to the Irish Potato Famine, and the resulting imigration of millions of Irish people to the United States; a fact reflected in the demographics of New York City. The second verse relates to the American Dream, and the ideal that anyone can be a success if they work hard. The third verse is about Bill Clinton's successful mediation between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The final verse is about the September 11 attacks.